I was curious as to how the total of $17 million raised compares to communities of similar size (1.1 - 1.2 million population.) I got the numbers from UWGT and by making a few calls. It’s a mixed bag based using 2008 (pre-recession) totals:

New Orleans - $16 milAustin - $17 milNashville -$16 mil

Memphis - $26 milJacksonville - $25 milLouisville - $27 mil

The last three markets might be stronger because those cities have more corporate headquarters - and companies with a UW tradition - but I’m not convinced that is the determinant.

A most surprising stat…from the Triad: Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point have separate community campaigns, and they raised a total of $35 million. Wow!

It’s hard to draw hard and fast conclusions from these numbers, but I know UWGT is looking at the “best practices” of the more successful campaigns for lessons learned and new strategies.

One thing I wonder about here in the Triangle: We have a young work force and more young, high-tech companies. They don’t have deep roots with United Way.

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